Friends star Matthew Perry has died aged 54. The actor, best known for playing Chandler Bing in the ’90s TV sitcom sensation, was found dead at his home in Los Angeles, law enforcement sources told US media. According to The LA Times and TMZ who were first to report the news, he was found unresponsive in a hot tub. An official cause of death has not yet been released.
Fans, friends, and colleagues have been leaving countless tributes for the actor since the sad news emerged overnight, with Warner Bros saying in a statement, “his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.”
“We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
Before finding household fame with his life-changing role in Friends, Perry had guest appearances in shows such as Beverly Hills 90210 and Charles in Charge. He was just 24 in 1994 when he landed the role of Chandler Bing alongside Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer. The show ran for 10 seasons until May 2004.
Angela Weiss
Last year he released his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir where he talked about fame and the huge success of the show. However, the book mainly chronicles his alcoholism and painkiller addiction. In an interview last year on the Q with Tom Power podcast he also revealed he didn’t watch the show because of his addiction.
“I didn’t watch the show, and haven’t watched the show, because I could go, ‘Drinking, opiates, drinking,'” he said. “I could tell season by season, by how I looked. That’s why I don’t wanna watch it because that’s what I see.”
He continued, “But I think I’m going to start to watch it because it’s been an incredible thing to watch it touch the hearts of different generations.”
Jim Smeal
Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice in Friends, wrote on Instagram that the “world will miss you”. She said, “What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry . The joy you brought to so many in your too-short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared. ♥️.”
Actress Selma Blair, who appeared in the Friends episode “The One With Christmas In Tulsa”, paid tribute with a post on Instagram that read; “My oldest boyfriend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was school friends with American-Canadian Perry at school and wrote on X; “Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them.
“Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.”
Kaley Cuoco, best known for her long-running turn starring as Penny in the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, added a touching tribute to her Instagram Story, writing; “Thank you for the laughs Matt Perry. You were a joy to watch for so many years and a constant lesson in comedic timing. We loved you!! So sad to hear this.”
Octavia Spencer, the actress and producer known for projects such as Hidden Figures, shared her thoughts in an Instagram post; “I’m incredibly saddened to hear of Matthew Perry’s passing today. His gift to the world will be remembered forever. Sending love to Matthew’s family, friends, co-stars, and millions of fans around the world.”
Shannen Doherty, who Matthew Perry grew up with as a teenager and worked alongside in 1991 while making a guest appearance on teen drama 90210, made a touching post dedicated to their long-running friendship; “You would always find us all together in a booth speaking in our own made-up language. And yes, Matt always had THAT sense of humor.
“Our friendship spanned a long time. A lifetime really. I know many are hurting, especially our little gang. He will be missed by many and definitely by us. Yes. I could be more poetic or say things better but right now, shock and sadness prevail.”
Olivia Munn, known for roles in films such as X Men: Apocalypse, also shared her condolences and posted on her Instagram Story to commend the late actor’s work raising awareness of addiction; “He struggled so much with addiction and was brave enough to be open and honest about it. I’m so sorry to his family and friends who are getting this news today. Nothing short of heartbreaking. Rest in love, Matthew Perry.”
Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly sad time.
Via Cosmopolitan UK